Intaglio mould depicting the monogram SP - c.1775-1800

Wedgwood and Bentley, biscuit ware intaglio mould, depicting the monogram SP. The intaglios formed from this mould would have been in either jasper or black basalt, and would have been used with sealing wax to create seals on letters and other documents. They do not appear in Wedgwood and Bentley's catalogues but would date from c.1775-1800.

Glossary

Intaglio

An Italian term meaning a design created by incising and carving below the surface, which is flat and even, and the opposite of a cameo where the design is in relief. Wedgwood made intaglios in basalts and various coloured dry bodies for use as seals, either mounted in holders or in signet rings. Those intended for mounting in holders could be purchased with shanks for the purpose.

Early intaglios were polished. They were impressed with the catalogue number, as well as the initials 'W & B' or (after Bentley's death in 1780) 'Wedgwood'. About 1,700 different subjects were available, most of them also to be had in cameo form. They could be obtained in double form, mounted back - to - back, or mounted similarly in conjunction with a cameo of the same size. As in the case of cameos production started in 1771, and to have been well established by 1772.